New
York State Department of Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera is urging
all parents and children to follow safety guidelines at the state's
12 amusement parks over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The
department inspects rides at every amusement park and traveling show
located outside of New York City before they open for the summer
season, as well as one or more times during operation.

"As
we mark the unofficial beginning of the summer this weekend with the
Memorial Day holiday, I urge all parents and children to follow
safety guidelines so that we can have a safe and fun summer at our
state's great amusement parks," Rivera said.

The
Department of Labor is tracking 49 individual carnivals and separate
events that will have amusement rides as part of their Memorial Day
activities. These locations, which will host 59 different amusement
ride companies, were to be inspected prior to opening this weekend.

"When
you head to the park or to the fair this weekend for fun, food and
amusement, please make sure that you are doing your part as parents
to ensure everyone follows the guidelines of the rides," Rivera
said. "But know that you can rest assured that our inspectors have
made certain that everything is functioning up to standard."

All
New Yorkers can visit the Department of Labor's park safety website
at www.RideSafeNY.com.
The website offers parents and children helpful tips on ride safety,
along with a directory of amusement parks in New York. The site also
makes it simple to email the Department of Labor to report unsafe
conditions.

Department
of Labor staff inspect all rides at stationary parks at least once a
year and inspect rides at traveling carnivals or fairs every time the
ride is set up in a new location. A ride cannot legally operate
without a permit from the Department of Labor.

Last
year, the Department of Labor inspected more than 1,500 venues and
more than 9,700 amusement devices.

The
Department of Labor offers consumers the following safety guidelines:

Listen
to the ride operator's instructions.

Read
and follow posted warnings and instructions.

Keep
hands and feet inside the ride while it is moving.

Don't
reach toward fences or barriers.

Secure
loose clothing and long hair.

Don't
drink and ride. You put yourself and others at risk.

Don't
stand or attempt to leave a ride until it comes to a complete stop.